My Genealogy Hound

HENRY E. SIEBERNS, general merchant, Gridley; was born in the Duchy of Oldenburg, Germany, March 23, 1825. At the age of 14, he was apprenticed to the carpenter trade, after completing which, he learned the cabinet-maker’s trade. He came to this country in 1853, landing in New Orleans, and proceeding up the river to Louisville, Ky., where he went to work at his trade. In 1855, in consequence of the Know Nothing disturbances in that city, he left Louisville and went to Canada West. Two years later he came to Illinois, and engaged in mercantile business with F. D. Callsen, in Farnisville, Woodford Co. In 1864, he removed to Gridley, where he and Mr. Callsen had just previously started a store; since that time he has continued in business here, and also has been in the grain business nine years, from 1868 to 1877. He carries one of the largest and best selected stock of goods in the place. During his residence of six years, in Farnisville, he served constantly as Postmaster and Town Clerk, and was also elected Justice of the Peace just before leaving for Gridley. He has held various offices in this place. He was married in May, 1857, to Miss Caroline Niergarth, a native of Bavaria, Germany. They have nine children living — Julietta, Juliana, Mary R., Walter H., Minnie, John R., Otto, Charles and Henrietta E. Mr. Sieberns, for the past five years has made Peoria his residence. He is one of the most successful men of the county, owning 1,440 acres of land in Livingston and McLean Counties.